Audible signaling device.



J. B. VICTOR.

AUDIBLE SIGNALING DEVICE. APPLICATION FILED NOV. 26.19l5.

VENTOR.

ATTORNEVQI:

I Patented Aug; 21,1917.

pnrrnn er s JOSEPH B. VICTOR, or CH CAGO, ILLINOIS, AssIGNon T0 VICTOR MANUFACTURING &- GASKET 00., or GHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION or ILLINOIS.

AUDI/315E sIeNALINe DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent. i

Patented Au 21, 191W.

'A'ppfication filed November 26, 1915. Serial No. 83,515.

To all wkomrlt may concern:

Be it known that I, JOSEPH B. VICTOR, a citizen'of the United States, residing at Chicago, in the county of Coolc and State "of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Audible Signaling Devlces, of which the following is a spool- My invention relates to audible signals, and particularly to the type of signals in which the sound is produced bytheoper'atire contact of an irregular surface against a vibratory diaphragm. The invention has for its object to simplify the construction and operation of a device of the above characterpreduce the cost of manufacturing the device by having it composed of a minimum number of parts; and to rovide certain arhorn for automobiles and one of the special objects of the [invention is to provide an automobile horn which will be compact in form; and which may be'easily manipulated toproduce a loud, penetrating sound of con- I siderable duration.

The invention has for further objects such other new and improved constructions and combinations of parts to beherelnafter more specifically described and claimed.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawlng in which like characters ofreference desigwith an elongated flared portion 11. This particular construction of the mouth piece is immaterial, "as any well known. construction may be usedthat' may be foundtobe most suitable for the manner and place m which the deviceis applied. The inner end of the mouth piece is preferably secured -within an annular opening 12 of a dishshaped head plate 13 of the casing 14 by means of a head 15 and flange 16, the latter being pressed down tightly around the inner edge of the opening 12. The casing 1% is formed with a slot 17 and with suitable bearings for the shaft 18, the shaft being preferably secured in the bearings against rotation. The shaft may be held against any lateral. movement in the casing by any suitable means As a means for performing this function, I have shown the ends of the shaft hammered over so as to form heads 19. hand wheel 20 is loosely mounted on the shaft 18, the diameter of the wheel 20 being preferably large enough so that its perimeter will project out of the casing 14; through the slot 17. The hand wheel 20 is preferably composed of a central ring portion 21-of hardened metal which is formed on its outer periphery with transversely extending ridges or teeth 22. The ring portion 21 is cased in or otherwlse embedded in a softer metal which form s the body of the wheel. The metal which incases the hard metal ring 21 and forms the main body of the wheel extends preferably beyond the outer edge of the ring 21 so as to provide an annula'r groove 23. From the construction of the wheel 20 thus far described, it will be seen that the periphery of the wheel contains more weight than the center. The distribution of weight in this manner gives the wheel more momentum and makes it more out, as indicated at 28, so as to reduce the friction between the wheel and shaft, and is held in its central position on the shaft by means of the sleeves 29. Interposed between the head plate 13 and the casing 14 is a resonant member 80 which is shown in the drawing as a thin diskor diaphragm having its extremity clamped between the flanges 31, 82 of the head plate and easing, respectively to lock the study in any adjusted position."

Theentire device "is preferably supported on the attaching bracket 36. v

In operation, the Operator grasps or draws his hand across the periphery 25 of the hand wheel 20 .so as ,to impart rotation thereto. The teeth 22 engaging the nose v34L of the stud 33 while the wheelis rotating, vibrate the diaphragm 30 so as to produce the sound;

The wheel will rotate for a short time after the operator has removed his hand, due to its momentum and to the fact that the friction between the wheel and shaft 18 is minimized. This spinning or fly-wheel eifect is increased by reason of the wheel being relatively large in diameter and the distribution of metal so as to give the wheel more weight near its periphery. The stud 33 is preferably adjusted so that the frictional engagement between the nose 84 .of the stud and toothed portion of-the wheel will prevent the accidental rotation of the wheel which might otherwise occur should the device receive a .suddenjar such as would be common when applied to motor driven vehicles; It will be seen that the wheel 20, which I have termed a hand wheel because'it isrotatedby direct contact of the hand of the driver, is. the element which, by rubbing against the resonant member, or the teeth thereon, setsthe same in vibration. There 'is no intermediate train of gears or other mechanism. For this reason the wheel may be rotated in either direction, as may be most convenient. Furthermore, the device is, for this reason, very simple, positive, compact and durable. The toothed portion of the perimeter of the wheel is of relatively large diameter so that .wear on the teeth is minimized.

While I have described my invention :its preferred embodiment, it will be understood that certain modifications might. be ina'de without departing from the spirit of :ings.

2. In a device of the character described, the combination of a resonant member, and a hand wheel formed with a roughened surface withinits perimeter adapted to engage said resonant member so as to-vibrate the 3. In a'device of the character described, the combination of a resonant member, and a handwheel formed with a groove and 'pro 'vided with a toothed surface wholly within said groove adapted to engage said resonant member so as to vlbrate the same.- 4:.Ina dev ce of the character described,

the combination of a resonant member, and

a hand wheel formed with a peripheral groove and provided with a toothed surface wholly within said groove adapted to engage said resonant member so as to vibrate the same. I

5. In a device of the character described,

the combinationof a resonant member, and,

surface being within the perimeter of said wheel.

6. In a device of the character described, the combination of a resonant member, and

a hand wheel which contacts directly with said resonant member to vibrate the same; said hand wheel being formed with a peripheral channel and provided with a toothed element seated in said channel within the perimeter of the wheel so as to engage said resonant member. I

, 7 In a device, of, the character described, the combination of a resonant member, and a hand wheel which contacts directly with said resonant member to vibrate the same;

* saidhand wheel being formed with a pcripheral channel and provided with a toothed ring seated in said channel which engages said resonant member.

8. Ina device of the character described,

the combination of a resonant member and a hand wheel which contacts directly with said resonant member to vibrate the same;

said hand wheel being formed with a channel and provided with a toothed ring. seated,

in said channel which engages said resonant member, the diameter of said ring being less than the diameter of said hand wheel.

9. In a device of the character described,

the outer edge of the teeth of said toothed the combination of a resonant member and a hand wheel which'contacts directly with said resonant member to vibrate the same;

toothed ring seated in said channel which engages said resonant member, the diameter 3 said hand wheel being formed with a pex-ripheral channel and provided with a the combination with a casing formed With a slot, of a hand Wheel mounted in said casing and projecting therefrom through said slot and formed With a peripheral groove and provided With teeth in said groove, a resonant diaphragm disposed Within said casing, and a stud screwed into said diaphragm so as to be adjustable toward said hand Wheel to take up Wear; said hand Wheel being formed with radially extending 10 grooves on its side surfaces so as to provide finger grips for the operator.

JOSEPH B. VICTOR.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of latents, Washington, D. C. 

